Gamble With Hearts by Hilary Gilman

Author:Hilary Gilman
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Publisher: Pleasant Street Publications
Published: 2011-08-05T14:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

Although it would be untrue to say that Charlotte soon recovered from the grief and misery into which Carlington's disappearance had plunged her, it was not long before the naturally optimistic turn of her mind asserted itself. She could not believe that Charles was dead; she felt that somehow she would know it if that were the case. While he lived there was hope. Not for one moment did she believe that her betrothed, reckless and impetuous though he undoubtedly was, had murdered Farnley. It was immediately apparent to Charlotte's quick intelligence that the real killer must have been present at that fatal quarrel. Therefore, the probability was that the murderer was someone known to Carlington and very likely to herself. Miss Wrexham had every intention of discovering who it might be.

Meanwhile, life continued with its round of parties and amusements. Her pretended engagement to Ruthin which had filled the mind of the ton for at least a week had by now ceased to be talked of and, apart from a certain obligatory intimacy between them, her engagement had little effect upon her. Indeed, she looked forward to seeing the Marquis often, for to him alone could she talk with perfect safety about Carlington.

She was hoping to see him one night about two weeks after her betrothed's disappearance. He was engaged to escort them all to the Duchess of Haymarket's ball; and as she arrayed herself for this event her mind was busily rehearsing the many questions she wished to discuss with him.

It was well that Lady Northwood had instructed her own dresser to attend Miss Wrexham, for of late Charlotte had paid little attention to her appearance. She meekly allowed herself to be laced into a new gown of cream satin, lavishly trimmed with floss lace, which her Aunt had most unexpectedly bestowed upon her. It was cut low across the breast and showed off Miss Wrexham's lovely form to considerable advantage.

She descended to the drawing room, still wrapped in thought, but became a little animated when she discovered that not only the Marquis but his daughter and her faithful escort were to accompany them.

It occurred to Charlotte that Miss Milverly was a trifle petulant with her admirer, who looked far from happy. In truth, Amelia was extremely cross with Sebastian. Having persuaded him that their elopement was necessary she had imagined that they would be off that very next night. Mr Edridge, however, could see no occasion for such haste. Ever since that night they had been arguing the question and, although still very much in love with his Amelia, Sebastian could not help feeling that she could, at times, be the most tiresome chit imaginable. Tonight, however, she was looking so lovely in a celestial blue crepe gown that such blasphemous thoughts were quite banished.

Amelia, who had been overjoyed by the news that her Papa was to marry Miss Wrexham, was seated next to her upon a sofa, chatting animatedly.

‘It is to be the most elegant affair

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